Welding Helmet Lens #?

Aaron SEIA · Jul 2, 2016

For those who pay attention, what lens shade # do you use to weld? Most of what I do is with 1/8" or slightly bigger rod running under 150 amps on a tombstone. The lens in my helmet now is so dark I can hardly see the arc and can't come close to seeing the seam I'm trying to weld. Some charts on line look like I could use a 7 or 8. All the auto darkening helmets I see run 9-13. Arc flash has never been an issue for me.
AaronSEIA

MarkB_MI · Jul 2, 2016

If you're over 45, you probably need a magnifying lens in your helmet.

TJ in KY · Jul 2, 2016

Second to what MarkB_MI said. I had trouble with taking a welding test after I turned 40 and was advised to get a magnifier, world of difference. Most times I use a 10
or 11 shade.

dr sportster · Jul 2, 2016

Light up your work piece better . I use a spot bulb in a lamp holder. Gold plated lenses too.

Stan in Oly, WA · Jul 2, 2016

Since your eyes aren't sensitive---mine aren't either---shade 9 should be adequate for all welding in the range you described. But what others have said about other ways to enhance your vision---magnifying lenses/reading glasses (even dime store ones), additional light on the area being welded, etc.---are probably more to the point than the shade of your welding lens. One caution about putting more light on the area: Welding spatter will kill an incandescent bulb, and might do so with other types, too. A light right next to the work is ideal for improving visibility, but you might lose the bulb in the process. Take that into account if you go that route.

Stan

dr sportster · Jul 2, 2016

Stan, I should have typed use an outdoor spot lamp. The ones with the much thicker glass.

old · Jul 2, 2016

Do not know the number of my lens but I use the Gold plated lens they cost more but since I have had my eyes flashed burned many times I learn to use only the gold lens. Bit thing is where ever you do your welding make sure you have very good lighting or yes you will have problems like your having

MarkB_MI · Jul 2, 2016

If you wear polycarbonate safety glasses under your helmet you'll significantly reduce your risk of getting flashed. No matter how good or dark your helmet lens is, it doesn't do anything to protect your eyes when your helmet is up or when light gets around the side of your helmet.

Stan in Oly, WA · Jul 2, 2016

That's a good suggestion, Dave. The one time I tried it, I used a regular (olden days regular) 100 watt incandescent bulb in a metal cover on a magnetic base. It lighted the area very well for a few minutes before weld spatter caused it to blow out. I intended to attach glass or acrylic over the cover to protect it, but that project was about number 900 on my list of things I'd like to do but don't need to do, so I haven't gotten to it yet.

Stan

old · Jul 2, 2016

Back when I got flashed so many times I was working in a dock factory so had lots of other guys welding close to me so it was easy to get flash burned eyes and the safety glasses did not help and the auto dark helmets did not work well for keeping the guy next to you form burning your eyes

RusselAZ · Jul 2, 2016

I use a #8 for the wire welder and a 10 in my rod helmet. don't use them much anymore since I got a couple auto dark helmet.

guido · Jul 2, 2016

Hello Aaron SEIA,

9 or 10 for iron minimum. + 2 shades for aluminum,

GUIDO.

NCWayne · Jul 3, 2016

Unless your burning some big rod, a 9 or 10 should be about all you need. I run one of the gold plated 10's in my helmet.

If nothing else the gold plate lenses help me see the bead a lot better than a green one. Is it a better lens, or just the fact I'm somewhat color blind and it changes the colors so I can see them, I don't know, but it works for me.

I've used everything from 3/32 rods, to gouging with a 5/16 carbon arc rod at 300 amps, to welding the hole created back up with a 3/16 7018 rod, to running .052 wire, all with the same helmet. I have never had a problem with my eyes getting burned by the arc flash.

Welding Helmet Lens #?

Aaron SEIA

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MarkB_MI

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TJ in KY

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dr sportster

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Stan in Oly, WA

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dr sportster

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old

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MarkB_MI

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Stan in Oly, WA

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old

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RusselAZ

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guido

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NCWayne

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